aspirin

noun

as·​pi·​rin ˈa-sp(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
plural aspirin or aspirins
1
: a white crystalline derivative C9H8O4 of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

Examples of aspirin in a Sentence

Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.
Recent Examples on the Web In fact, research shows that taking daily aspirin can come with some serious risks.1 Enteric-Coated Aspirin vs. Plain Aspirin: What's the Difference? Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2024 Daily, low-dose aspirin may be an effective treatment for a common type of liver disease, according to a new study. Victoria Forster, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium can relieve arthritis pain and the inflammation that can go along with it. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024 As a result, people who are regularly taking antibiotics, blood thinners (including aspirin), or other heart medications (such as cholesterol drugs) should not supplement their vitamin K intake without talking to a doctor. Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Contents include different types and sizes of bandages and sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tincture of benzoin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, sting relief wipes, splinter tweezers, blister patches, and more. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 The staff seemed resistant to the flu and the editor told Beardsley that ailing employees took a remedy combining aspirin and baking soda. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 John Elway hands the Chiefs the Lombardi Trophy, and a lovely evening that began with nachos and chicken wings ends with two aspirin and a Pepto-Bismol chaser. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2024 For instance, aspirin was derived from a compound for a willow tree; morphine and codeine come from poppy plants; penicillin comes from a kind of mold; and azithromycin – commonly called Z-Pak – comes from a bacterium. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aspirin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from acetyl + spiraeic acid (former name of salicylic acid), from New Latin Spiraea, genus of shrubs — more at spirea

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aspirin was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near aspirin

Cite this Entry

“Aspirin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aspirin. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

aspirin

noun
as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
1
: a white drug used as a remedy for pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

Medical Definition

aspirin

noun
as·​pi·​rin ˈas-p(ə-)rən How to pronounce aspirin (audio)
plural aspirin or aspirins
1
: a white crystalline derivative C9H8O4 of salicylic acid used for relief of pain and fever
2
: a tablet of aspirin

More from Merriam-Webster on aspirin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!